Be careful what you bring back from holidays!
It’s always nice to bring back souvenirs, but you need to make sure to respect the laws of the visited country. Otherwise, you could find yourself stuck at the airport with an unfriendly customs agent.
If you want to make sure you do not miss your plane or get home safely, avoid bringing souvenirs that are not authorized by Customs.
Attention, this list may vary depending on the country, make sure to review it before leaving.
Be vigilant with counterfeits!
Sunglasses, clothes, accessories, medicines, cosmetics, etc. It is not always easy to tell the difference between “authentic” and “counterfeit”, but at the customs service, they have the flair to discover it. In some countries, it could cost you a large fine if you get caught. We must be vigilant and make sure to always check the authenticity of our purchases.
How to avoid being fooled?
- The point of sale must be official.
- Check the quality, labeling, and packaging.
- The price should not be too low.
- The means of payment must be reliable.
- If in doubt, check with the brand.
* Most customs officers have neither the power nor the duty to monitor and retain such goods, but in some European countries, the fine may be astronomical, better to know before!
What is alive!
It is strictly forbidden to bring in our luggage all that is considered protected species, animal, plant or endangered. Some plants are allowed, but there are many restrictions to respect.
Foods
This chapter has a lot of exceptions, so I suggest that you check the official website of each country. Here is the official list of what you can bring back in Canada.
What is illegal or not so good for your health!
All drugs are strictly prohibited as well as all obscene material, hate propaganda and child pornography. Obviously!
Written authorization and a permit are required for explosives, fireworks, and ammunition. Weapons and firearms must be declared under penalty of prosecution and/or seizure.
Gifts
Canadians can send gifts of $ 60 or less without paying taxes. On the other hand, it is impossible to send tobacco products, alcoholic beverages or advertising material. These gifts will not be calculated in your exemptions if you send them by mail, but those in your luggage yes.
Prizes and awards
You must pay duties and taxes if the value exceeds the amount of the permitted exemption.
Health products (drugs)
If the drug is available in your country without a prescription, it should not be a problem to import it, but you have to check the amount you can bring. There are also restrictions on the quantities and types of health products that can be imported.
Permitted exemption
A certain amount of cigarettes, cigars, and spirits are allowed depending on the length of your stay abroad.
A brief summary of the exemptions for travelers entering Canada:
| Minimal
Absence |
Limit
Amount ($ CAD) |
Alcoholic
Beverages |
Tobacco
Products |
| 24 hours or less | 0 $ |
|
|
|
24 hours
|
200 $ |
|
|
| 48 hours or more | 800 $ |
|
|
| 7 days or more | 800 $ |
|
|
It is not forbidden to bring back more than what is indicated. In that case, it must be declared and you need to pay customs fees accordingly. Attention, the franchise is not cumulative between travelers; you cannot share a $ 1,000 merchandise between several people and a minor cannot bring alcohol or tobacco, as this exemption is for personal use only.
For more information, see what you can bring back to Canada.
